Step By Step Process To Refinish Carpeted Plywood Stairs
The plywood is one of the best wood material that creates a stable surface for use below the carpet as well as tiles, however, it does not have an attractive aesthetic appearance when you remove the covering. Painting or refinishing the plywood surface will increase the beauty of the steps as well as modify the look of the area. Refinishing process allows a homeowner to change the color or repair a damaged and shabby surface in very less time. In order to refinish the carpeted plywood stairs, carefully go through the below-mentioned steps:
- Remove Carpet: First of all, prep the stairs by getting rid of the carpet with the help of a utility knife and a pry bar. If in case you have existing hardwoods under the carpet, at that time cut the carpet with utmost care, due to the reason that the hardwoods should not get damaged.
- Remove Staples, Nails Or Tack Strips: After taking off the carpet, it is time to eliminate the carpet pad. With the help of pliers and a pry bar, you need to pull up any nails, tacks as well as tack strips.
- Cut Existing Nosing: If in case the subfloor is damaged, then you simply need to replace it. In the case of the subfloor not getting damaged, start by trimming any nosing off in order to make sure that you have a flat profile through the front riser. This will help install the new pieces smoothly.
- Measure Stairs: Now, it is time to measure the stairs for the purpose of installing the hardwoods, make sure to measure the stairs in order to get the cut lengths together.
- Cut Riser Pieces: With the help of a table saw, cut or trim the riser pieces to the accurate size. Attach the risers using the construction adhesive. It is not necessary to use the nails, due to the reason that the risers don't get any pressure on them, however, it can be used if you'd like.
- Cut Tread Caps: Next, start prep the tread caps. Tread caps have a lip on the front, trim them to size and attach using construction adhesive. Nail the corners in order to make sure that the tread caps won't move.
- Attach Edge Molding: These treads come along with edge molding, which is attached with the help of adhesive and a nail gun for a pretty, clean look around the sides.
- Measure Tread Size: Replacing the tread piece completely with a hardwood border is the another best option. To do that, you simply need to measure the tread size, trim the tread and then attach it. If you want, you can also round over a piece of wood. Attach that piece using construction adhesive and nails as well.
- Stain Your Stairs: Stain as well as clear coat your stairs in order to give them long-lasting appeal. If in case there were existing hardwoods below the carpet, sand them before re-staining. With the help of a foam brush, apply the stain, and clean with a lint-free cloth. As soon as it dries, apply two more coats of clear coat. Go through the instructions carefully when it comes to dry time.